Author: The Crusader Staff Writer, Brian Hoverath The Belmont Abbey Men’s group is a club meant to help the young men of Belmont Abbey focus on being virtuous through activities and ideas. It is only open to men and is held in the student commons from 7-8 pm on Monday nights. The group meets with the intention of having an invited speaker talk on something that relates to Christian ideals. The topics presented range from paleontology, liturgy of the hours, politics, dating advice, and even sword fighting. The group also takes trips to places that relate to topics being discussed. Ideas for trips are approved by the club leaders and financed by either the school or the individual club members. The group even has their own flag that is recognized by the North American Vexillological Association. After interviewing the two club heads, Josiah Newsome and Luke Cumby, I decided to attend their most recent meeting. This meeting was held on a Thursday, due to a scheduling issue. The meeting I attended involved a student discussing traffic laws and enforcement. While this may sound rather tame, it quickly became a conversation on how the federal government’s enforcement of such laws can be an invasion of privacy. This in turn became a conversation on how the government should balance privacy. If this sounds like something that you would be interested in, you may reach them at their Instagram @bacmensgroup. This article was originally posted in the Fall 2022, Issue 1 of The Crusader Newspaper. Download the full issue.

Author: The Crusader Staff Writer, Anna Sims On the 26th of September, 2022, Amara Guitry performed rarely heard sonatas at the Belmont Abbey College Basilica. Guitry is a music teacher at the Abbey and she performed in the Basilica in order to demonstrate her skills outside the classroom as well as provide some free musical education. I was privileged to hear the talented flutist Amara Guitry accompanied by pianist and harpsichordist Lillian Pearson. The pursuit of these two remarkable women was to revive a forgotten love for classical artists and to share these once popular musical pieces with as many people as possible. Guitry also kept the audience engaged by giving historical background on the different flutes she used throughout the performance. In all I found it quite enjoyable and would love to attend the next concert. Between pieces, Guitry would give a complete and extremely interesting background on the different flutes. Audience and former flutist Amber described the production as “Absolutely lovely and extremely interesting.” She also said, “I loved that I was never bored. The history of the different instruments was so fascinating.” In addition to the beautiful flute, Pearson created a fantastic atmosphere with her skill on the harpsichord. She seemed to be able to sweep up the audience and carry them into the Middle Ages. It was a joy to experience this, and I hope to see more students at these events in the future.   This article was originally posted in the Fall 2022, Issue 1 of The Crusader Newspaper. Download the full issue.

Author: The Crusader Staff Writer, Kathleen Stinneford In the past year, the Belmont Abbey Honors College has hired three new professors: Dr. Thomas Varacalli, Professor James Neff, and Professor Elisa Torres Neff. Both Dr. Varacalli and Professor Torres Neff are Belmont Abbey Alums. Dr. Varacalli has a Masters and Doctorate in Political Science from Louisiana State University and is an Assistant professor. Professor Torres Neff has a Masters in Philosophy from the University of Dallas and is currently earning her Ph.D. in Philosophy. She is a Visiting Professor. Professor Neff has a Masters in Philosophy from the University of Dallas. Alongside teaching Honors courses, Dr. Varacalli is also in charge of reviewing new applicants to the Honors College. He and Professor Torres Neff have published many articles and book chapters with each having published eight different publications which is very impressive. It is very clear that Dr. Varacalli, Professor Torres Neff, and Professor Neff will all go on to do great things in the Honors College, and in Belmont Abbey College as a whole. This article was originally posted in the Fall 2022, Issue 1 of The Crusader Newspaper. Download the full issue.

Author: The Crusader Staff Writer, Iris Bertin The word “Agora” refers to the forum in which people come to share their thoughts or can be viewed as the marketplace in ancient Greek city-states. Here at Belmont Abbey College, Agora is the title of our school’s literary magazine run by the students themselves. Agora is aimed to promote a creative spirit throughout our campus and open up a community where art is welcomed and appreciated to its full extent. In creating an outlet for students to put forth works of art that are meaningful to them, we are spreading a deeper sense of community throughout our college campus. Affirming the many different forms of art we receive through submission and Agora events, this magazine becomes much more than many words on the pages. The sense of community that is being formed through this literary work exemplifies how strongly the Benedictine hallmarks are spread throughout our school. No matter what art form you choose to help express yourself, Agora is accepting of a variety of different kinds. These include poetry, photography, short stories, and any type of graphic art. In submitting a piece of work to Agora, you are able to help enter into the community of the college as a whole. Through these many submissions, a group of team editors will take on the task of sorting through, editing, and deciding to publish all of the different pieces of art. Through this process, these students are able to gain real-life hands-on experience in the editing and publication realm. This club is offering its members experience, a sense of community, and a drive to push them to spread their creative minds throughout a college campus in hopes to reach as many students as they can. Agora puts on events throughout the year…

Author: The Crusader Staff Writers We asked students for compliments about professors and here are some of the responses: Mrs. Margot Rhoades made class really fun/interesting. Dr. Gomes is very understanding and helpful, his class was why I chose to major in Psychology. Dr. Cote, she is difficult and demands a lot, but yet a wonderful/easy to understand and learn from teacher. Father Chris did a great job at engaging all of his students. Professor Hayes because she was always so energetic in class and encouraged our participation always. Dr. Larner. She is just the best teacher, cares for all her students, and helps anyone with anything. Dr. Hutchinson makes history come alive. Dr. Jansen is an excellent professor. Dr. Joseph Pizza and Dr. Erin Jensen. Both of these professors are very open minded and appreciate everyone’s comments, concerns, and look for new ways to approach teaching. Dr. Dell’Isola is friendly and seeks to meet his students on their level when teaching. Dr. Corwin pushes her students to understand the beautiful purpose of literature. Dr. Gina Noia is a great teacher and really understands how to connect the content to life. This article was originally posted in the Fall 2022, Issue 1 of The Crusader Newspaper. Download the full issue.

Author: The Crusader Staff Writer, Amil Werr Just yesterday I was walking up the steps from the grotto towards the monastery and basilica. I noticed facilities personnel had one of the manholes open. Curious, I peeked inside the manhole and noticed old brick walls surrounding what looked like a water main valve, all underneath the asphalt driveway. I was then much more aware of the ground beneath my feet. I thought to myself, “Wow! Are those part of the old monastery walls? Was it part of a cellar, a monk’s cell, a refectory? How far do those walls go down?” Memories of Art History class with Dr. Pastryk returned as images of Basilica di San Clemente with its 1st century structures underneath its 4th century basilica underneath its now standing, above ground, 12th century basilica. I had previously thought Art History only involved looking through frames of paintings or glass cases of coins, pottery, and sculpture. I was wrong. The windows through which we can peer into different times are myriad, beyond museum walls, kind of like that open manhole in the asphalt driveway. It was helpful for me in furthering my understanding of the nuance and depth of Art History to know that it can also be called “Material Culture.” When I think of the word “culture,” I think of wine, beer, cheese, bread, yoghurt. I think of each culture, each community of beings endowed with distinct capacities to take material and, through it, express themselves. I think of beings, too small to see with bare eyes, partaking in expressive and transformative action. Those old brick walls underneath that manhole were built by beings I cannot now see. However, if I am curious or perceptive (or lucky?) enough I can see, study, and appreciate how some ancestors expressed themselves…

Author: The Crusader Staff Writer, Rachel Price Earlier this year in March of 2022, the psychology department here at Belmont College gave their students the opportunity to attend the SEPA Conference, located in Hilton Head, South Carolina. 10 psychology majors, including myself, and two of our professors attended the conference. This experience allowed us to strengthen our relationships with our classmates, learn about other students’ psychology research from other colleges and universities (some near and some farther), and the honor of supporting our very own Belmont Abbey alumni and professor while they presented their research as well. While most of us at the time were rising seniors, we had the opportunity to speak with a variety of graduate programs and their students. We collected information, heard their individual experiences with the program, and what types of programs the schools had to offer. Looking back, I can say that this trip was well worth all my time and effort as my top pick graduate school is one that I discovered at the conference. I thank the psychology department for making this trip possible for the other students and myself. Together, we made long lasting memories, learned a variety of professional skills, built stronger relationships with our professors and their families, and shared what we all may agree was a remarkable experience overall. This article was originally posted in the Fall 2022, Issue 1 of The Crusader Newspaper. Download the full issue.

Author: The Crusader Staff Writer, Hannah Schudlik Belmont Abbey College’s Campus Activities Board (CAB) is a student organization that designs and provides exciting activities and programs for student life. CAB is credited with sponsoring various events such as movie nights, dances, talent shows, and holiday parties. Nate Bolton is the faculty advisor for the club, as well as the director of student activities on campus. As a Belmont Abbey alumnus, Nate is dedicated to creating a fun experience and community-based environment for students. What Do They Do? Typically, CAB begins planning ideas in September for events that will be held from October through May. Abbeyfest is a traditional Belmont Abbey event held in the fall semester that incorporates live music, catering, and mini-games for the college’s students and alumni. Last year, October brought chilly weather and beautiful scenery to campus. Thus, CAB hosted “Nightmare on Abbey Lane!” Members of the club guided students, and the school faculty’s children down the spooky-decorated Abbey Lane. Activities included pumpkin carving, costume and decorating contests, live music, games, and trunk-or-treating. The spring semester consists of planning for an annual dance formal and student talent show. The Spring Formal, hosted by student activities and CAB, surprises students each year with an unknown destination for a school dance. Previous locations have been the Honey Hunters baseball stadium, downtown Belmont, and even on a yacht! As March approaches, “Abbey’s Got Talent” will show off Belmont Abbey students singing, dancing, performing comedy routines, and more! Why You Should Join? CAB is a great way to meet new people and form friendships! The club meets once a week (typically via Zoom) to discuss ideas and plan events, so it is not too demanding of one’s time. There is little commitment required, as attendance for meetings and events is not…

Author: The Crusader Staff Writer, Amanda Johnson College is never a perfect time for anybody. For young adults coming out of high school, four years away from home can be hard for anybody. However, it is always important to know about the resources that are available on campus. ACADEMICS: If you are struggling in a class, go to your professor’s office hours – they are there so that students can come and ask for help! In my experience, every professor is happy to meet with you outside of class. Tutoring options that are new this year: Look into the STEM Lab on the first floor of the Science Building and the Writing Center in Stowe 216. These are often student-led – so they know what it’s like to be in your shoes! Academic Advising is located in the New Residence Hall on the first floor (to the left when you walk in). These lovely ladies are able to help you understand academics here as a whole and might help you figure out what classes to take next. If you have already declared your major, get in contact with your academic advisor within your department. You can find their name on Self-Service at the bottom of your unofficial transcript! MENTAL HEALTH/WELLNESS: The Counseling Center is located on the bottom floor of the Haid. You can schedule appointments online at https://belmontabbey-counselingcenter.clientsecure.me and talk with our counselor about anything from academic stress, grief, social distress, and so much more! They take a solution-focused approach, which means that you do not attend for more than 6 sessions. The Resident Assistant on duty isn’t only for if you’re locked out or want to make a noise complaint – if you are feeling overwhelmed and need someone immediately to talk to, call them and tell them…